Fierce Advocacy

There are three main options other than self-pay for paying medical bills for an auto accident victim. However, every situation is different, and we stress the importance of discussing yours with our experienced personal injury attorney.

• Health insurance: If you have health insurance, this is a viable option for you. There are some pros and cons to this. For example, the at-fault party's insurance company may argue that any contractual adjustments or write-offs that are taken by the health care providers are no longer included in the injured party's damages. In addition, the health insurance carrier may try to pursue subrogation or repayment at the conclusion of the case or at settlement. In addition, there is the issue of co-payments and deductibles.
• Med pay: Sometimes medical bills are paid using med pay coverage. This is an optional insurance coverage that may be under the auto insurance policy of the injured party or a policy on the car he or she was traveling in at the time of the accident.
• Liens: Many times medical bills are handled by the health care provider agreeing to hold off on collection by placing a lien on the case. Medical bills with liens are then addressed at the conclusion of the case. Missouri law sets forth specific amounts each health care provider, that asserts a lien, receives out of a settlement.